UAE National Orchestra Unveils Inaugural Season & Talent Drive

Abu Dhabi, UAE : The UAE National Orchestra is embarking on a transformative musical journey, revealing its artistic vision and inaugural season following its first public performance at the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations. Unveiled during the official ceremony at the Zayed National Museum, the Orchestra’s unique sound—where Arabic and Western musical traditions intersect—will resonate across all seven emirates.

The inaugural season kicks off on 15 January 2026 with The Beginning, a debut concert that introduces audiences to the Orchestra’s distinctive sound. Full venue and ticketing details will be announced soon.

A Vision for a Distinct National Sound

The UAE National Orchestra aims to create a musical dialogue between Oriental and Western instruments, forging a sound that is uniquely Emirati. This approach forms the foundation of the Orchestra’s season and guides its artistic choices.

Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, said, “Rooted in heritage and forward-looking, our Orchestra embodies the pride and ambition of the UAE. Bringing together talents from diverse cultures, we create music that belongs to our nation and connects with audiences across the Emirates. Our first public performance at the Eid Al Etihad celebrations highlighted the depth, unity, and expressive power of this national voice. The unveiling of our musical philosophy and the announcement of our season mark an important new chapter.”

Artistic Director and Conductor Amine Kouider added, “Music is a universal language. When Arabic and Western instruments share the stage, they converse in ways that reveal new meaning. This season harmoniously blends traditions, showing how dialogue through music can create something both rooted in heritage and entirely new.”

Inaugural Season Overview

The Orchestra’s first season explores the power of music to transcend borders, showcasing world premieres, collaborations with regional and international artists, and performances by acclaimed guest conductors. Highlights include:

• The Beginning: Launching the Orchestra’s new sound with its first Emirati symphonic commission.

• Faces of Love: A musical journey exploring love’s universal essence.

• Vivaldi: A Journey East: Imagining Vivaldi’s music through Arab instruments and modes.

• Russian Classics: Works by Shostakovich, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky.

• Once Upon a Tune: Introducing children to the storytelling power of music.

• Echoes of Time: Inspired by Ibn Arabi, blending Arabic and Western traditions.

• Carmen in Concert: Iconic moments from the legendary opera.

• A Night in Vienna: Romantic works by Strauss and Lehár.

• From Screen to Stage: Celebrating Emirati cinematic and television music heritage.

• Harmony: Arabic and Western traditions meet on equal ground.

• Composed in UAE: Showcasing Emirati music pioneers.

• An Evening With Conductor Xu Zhong: Bridging musical cultures between China and the UAE.

• Rhythms of the Gulf: Gulf melodies reimagined for orchestra.

• Three Rhapsodies One World: Western classical, American jazz, and Emirati voices unite.

Developing Emirati Musical Talent

Complementing the season, the Orchestra has launched a 12-month part-time capacity-building programme to nurture Emirati musicians. Through mentorship, rehearsals, and specialist workshops in theory, ensemble performance, and instrumental mastery, participants will receive structured guidance and compensation for their commitment.

Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi emphasized, “Investing in Emirati talent ensures the sustainability of our country’s musical landscape. This programme provides emerging musicians a pathway to grow, perform, and proudly represent the UAE. It underpins our commitment to developing the next generation of orchestral artists.”

Together, the inaugural season and talent programme establish the UAE National Orchestra as a driving force in shaping a national musical identity and cultivating the musicians of tomorrow.